What is a Mastermind?

A Mastermind Group is made up of people who are committed to helping each other achieve success.

A brief narrative of Mastermind Groups

When did Masterminds start?

The term “Mastermind Alliance” was poplularized in the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill in 1937.

Napoleon Hill interviewed Andrew Carnegie and with his help, studied the richest men in the world over the next 20 years to discover and document the secrets of success. Dr. Hill later become an advisor to two American presidents.

One of the 13 secrets Napoleon Hill discovered is called a “Mastermind Alliance.” He observed that successful people get together with other successful people to talk about their ideas and make them happen.

Who joins a Mastermind group?

The idea has been used by presidents, inventors and some of the most successful business leaders in history, for example:

The Junto

Benjamin Franklin had a weekly mastermind called which resulted in the first US Library, volunteer fire departments, public hospitals and police departments.

The Inklings

C.S. Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Charles Williams, and Owen Barfield would hold weekly meetings at Magdalen College in Oxford, England to read their works. The results were ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ ‘The Hobbit,’ ‘The Screwtape Letters’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia.

The Tennis Cabinet

Theodore Roosevelt met with his Mastermind Group daily to exercise, discuss, debate and plan. At the end of his presidency he told them “It is through you and those like you that I have done the major part of what has been accomplished under this administration.”

The Vagabonds

Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Warren G. Harding and Harvey Firestone went on annual road trips together camping across the U.S. in “Nautre’s Laboratory”. They discussed business, science and pressing issues of the day as a way of to come with new ideas.

Why should I join a Mastermind?

Goal Setting

“Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I’ll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I’ll give you a stock clerk.”

~ J.C. Penny

Brain Storming

“None of us is as smart as all of us”

~ Ken Blanchard

Support

“It takes two flints to make a fire.”

~ Louisa May Alcott

Networking

“You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

~ Jim Rohn

Accountability

“Accountability breeds response-ability”

~ Stephen Covey

Where do Masterminds take place?

Historically people have met in person for their Mastermind groups because that was the only option. Today people often meet using conference calls or virtual meetings.

Technology now makes it possible to mastermind with people around the world.

How do you start a Mastermind Group?

Find people who are committed to meeting consistently to help each other succeed.

Meet on a regular schedule to discuss challenges, ideas and goals.

Keep track of your sessions to increase accountability.

How do I manage a Mastermind Group?

Managing your group should be simple and effective. Mastermind Manager is designed to help you get meaningful results with essential tools for session management, brainstorming, goal setting, and accountability.